Biological Approach MCQs

Biological Approach MCQs

• Localization: Specific brain areas are responsible for particular functions.
• Neuroplasticity: The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.
• Neural networks: Complex interconnected systems of neurons.
• Neural pruning: Removal of unnecessary neural connections.
• Inhibitory/exhibitory synapses: Synapses that either decrease or increase neural activity.
• Agonists/antagonists: Chemicals that either enhance or block neurotransmitter activity.
• Hormones/pheromones: Chemical messengers in the body affecting behavior.
• Kinship studies: Research examining the role of genetics in behavior.
• MHC genes (evolutionary): Genes associated with immune response, potentially linked to behavior.

Questions 2

• Left hemisphere localization: Language processing is primarily localized to the left hemisphere.

Question 3

• Neuroplasticity definition: The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections is neuroplasticity specifically referring to in the context of brain function.

Question 4

• Amygdala vs. prefrontal cortex: The amygdala is responsible for emotional processing while the prefrontal cortex handles higher cognitive functions like decision-making and planning.

Question 5

• Neurogenesis and hippocampus: Physical exercise has been shown to increase the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus.

Dopaminergic Pathways

• Rewarding behaviors and addiction: Dopaminergic pathways transmit dopamine and are important in reinforcing rewarding behaviors, contributing to addiction.

Brain structure examination techniques:

• Real time brain viewing: fMRI allows examination of brain structures and functions in real time.

Brain function area:

• Vital functions: Medulla oblongata is primarily responsible for vital functions like heart rate, breathing, and swallowing.

Serotonin

• Behavior regulation: Serotonin is involved in regulating mood, aggression, and sleep.

Reinforcement Learning and Reward System

• Dopamine and reinforcement: Dopamine release in reward systems strengthens behaviors through positive reinforcement.

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

• Synaptic connection strengthening: Long-term potentiation (LTP) involves strengthening synaptic connections through repeated stimulation.

Cognitive Approach MCQs

• Multistore memory model: A model of memory with separate stores for sensory, short-term, and long-term memory.
• Working memory model: Emphasizes the active processing of information in short-term memory.
• Schema theory: Use of existing knowledge schemas to understand and interpret incoming information.
• Cognitive biases: Systematic errors in thinking that affect judgments and decisions.
• Flashbulb memories: Vivid and detailed recollections of highly significant events.

Question 12

• Active information processing: The working memory model emphasizes the importance of short-term memory's limited capacity and its active role in manipulating information.

Question 13

• Multistore model critique: The primary criticism of the multistore model is that it doesn't adequately capture the dynamic interaction between different memory systems.

Question 14

• Schema theory and information processing: Schema theory explains how individuals process and recall information by suggesting that information is recalled more accurately if it matches existing schemas.

Question 15

• Reconstructive memory: Memories are constantly updated as we integrate new information, leading to potential distortion.

Question 16

• Dual-processing theory: System 1 thinking (heuristic) is associated with rapid, intuitive decision-making.

Question 17

• Eyewitness testimony and accuracy: The degree of attention in detail during an event significantly affects eyewitness accuracy.

Question 18

• Cognitive load and working memory: Working memory is best when information is split between visual and verbal processes.

Question 19

• Cognitive processing and attention: Attention filters out unimportant stimuli, focusing cognitive resources on important tasks in the cognitive processing model.

Sociocultural Approach MCQs

• Social identity theory: Individuals’ social identity depends on ingroup and outgroup membership.
• Social groups: Refers to the grouping of individuals who share similarities.
• Social Cognitive Theory: Observational learning, modeling, and reciprocal determinism shape behavior.
• Stereotypes: Oversimplified and often negative generalizations about groups.
• Cultural dimensions: Individualism/collectivism and power distance influence cultural values and behaviors.
• Assimilation: Individuals adopt traits of a host culture while maintaining own.
• Enculturation: The process of internalizing the customs and norms of one’s cultural group.
• Acculturation: The process of cultural modification as a result of contact with another culture.

Question 22

• Ingroups and outgroups: Ingroup members might act aggressively towards outgroups to maintain group cohesion.

Question 23

• Cultural dimension theory: Cultural dimensions like individualism vs collectivism and power distance influence societal behaviors and values.

Question 24

• Cultural norms: Shared expectations and rules that govern behavior within a culture.

Question 25

• Enculturation definition: Learning and adapting to the norms and values of one's own culture.

Question 26

• Cultural differences and research: Research investigating cultural differences overlooks globalization's influence on behavior.

Personal Relationships

• Congruence: Matching of one’s self-perception with others’ comments.
• MHC: Genes affecting immune response may influence mate selection.
• Microexpressions: Brief, involuntary facial expressions reflecting emotions.
• Passionate love: Intense longing, emotions, and affection.
• Self-disclosure: Sharing personal information which deepens understanding and trust.
• Pathogen stress: Degree of agents within a population causing disease.

Research Methods in Personal Relationships

• Cross-sectional design: Comparing between groups at a specific time.
• Longitudinal studies: Tracking changes over time within individuals.
• Prospective research: Observing behavior to predict outcomes and influences.
• Meta-analysis: Combining data from multiple studies exploring a topic.
• Double-blind testing: Neither researchers nor participants know the experimental details.

Theories of Interpersonal Relationships

• Empathy-Altruism Model: Helping arises from empathy or distress reduction.
• Exchange theory: Helping behavior as a rational trade-off.
• Kin Selection Theory: Helping behavior enhanced for relatives.
• Matching Hypothesis: Individuals with similar levels of attractiveness may develop relationships.

Qualitative Methods

• A priori coding: Developing codes based on existing frameworks.

Case Study

• Case study: Research method examining specific individuals or groups over time.

Qualitative Data Analysis Techniques

• Content analysis: Analyzing textual materials to identify patterns and themes.
• Covert observation: Observational study where subjects are unaware.
• Credibility/validity: Focus on accuracy in qualitative research.
• Data triangulation: Integrating findings from diverse sources.
• Emergent thematic coding: Discovering patterns in data afterward.
• Epistemological reflexivity: Acknowledging researcher's influence on the findings.
• Event sampling: Recording specific behaviors over a fixed time.
• Focus groups: Group interviews to gather in-depth data.
• Inter-rater reliability: Consistent ratings of behaviors by different observers.
• Longitudinal study: Examining changes over time.

Research Methods General

• Correlational research: Measures relationships but doesn't determine cause.
• Counterbalancing: Adjusting order effects in repeated measures designs.
• Cross-sectional design: Comparing groups at a single time point.
• Dependent variable: Measured outcome.
• Double-blind testing: Eliminating bias when participants or researchers don't know conditions.
• Factorial design: Assessing effects of multiple independent variables.
• Field experiment: Research conducted in a natural setting.
• Hypothesis: Testable prediction.
• Independent samples design: Different participants in different groups.
• Independent variable: Manipulated variable.
• Meta-analysis: Combining results from multiple studies.
• Natural experiment: Observing a naturally occurring event.
• Null hypothesis: Predicts no relationship between variables.
• One-tailed hypothesis: Predicts a specific direction of variation.
• Operationalization: Defining a concept in a measurable form.
• Pretest-posttest design: Measuring a variable before and after an intervention.
• p-value: Probability of obtaining results by chance.
• Quasi-experiment: Observing a naturally occurring event or group.
• Random allocation: Equally distributing participants across conditions.
• Repeated measures design: Same participants in all conditions.
• Single blind test: Only participants unaware of conditions.
• True experiment: Random assignment & manipulation of independent variable.
• Validity: Accuracy of measuring what it intends to.

Sampling Techniques

• Random sampling: Every member of the population has an equal chance of selection.
• Self-selected sampling: Participants choose to participate.
• Stratified random sampling: Dividing population into subgroups and randomly sampling within each.
• Snowball sampling: Participants recruit other participants.
• Opportunity sampling: Using readily available participants.

General Validity Issues

• Bidirectional ambiguity: Determining the cause-and-effect relationship.
• Construct validity: Measuring the intended concept.
• Demand characteristics: Participants changing their behaviors due to expected outcomes.
• Ecological fallacy: Incorrectly applying group-level data to individuals.
• Ecological validity: How accurate the results are applicable to the real world.
• Expectancy effect: Researcher's expectations influencing results.
• External validity: Generalizing results to a broader population or setting.

Order Effects

• Fatigue effect: Decline in performance due to tiredness or boredom.
• Interference effect: Impact of one condition on another.
• Practice effect: Improvement in performance due to practice.
• Random error: Variation due to chance factors.

Test your knowledge on the biological approach to psychology with these MCQs focused on critical concepts such as localization, neuroplasticity, and neural networks. This quiz covers essential topics related to brain functions and their physiological implications.